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The earthly [city] has made for herself, according to her…

“The earthly [city] has made for herself, according to her heart's desire, false gods out of any sources at all, even out of human beings, that she might adore them with sacrifices. The heavenly one, on the other hand, living like a wayfarer in this world, makes no false gods for herself. On the…” quote by Augustine of Hippo
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““The earthly [city] has made for herself, according to her heart's desire, false gods out of any sources at all, even out of human beings, that she might adore them with sacrifices. The heavenly one, on the other hand, living like a wayfarer in this world, makes no false gods for herself. On the contrary, she herself is made by the true God that she may be herself a true sacrifice to Him.””

Augustine of Hippo

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human societies create false idols, while the divine remains a humble wanderer, urging true sacrifice.

In simple terms: People make false gods; God calls genuine sacrifice.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic devotion over false idols.

Themes

faith idolatry humility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • religious practice
  • personal spirituality
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

theology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What idols do we worship today?
  • How can humility guide true sacrifice?
A Different Perspective

Human desire for tangible idols can persist.

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